18 January 2013
Study into maths anxious teachers wins George D Gray award for Sharon
A University of Dundee graduate has won the prestigious George D Gray CBE MA award for the best undergraduate thesis in teacher education in Scotland.
Sharon Friel-Myles, (32), graduated with a BEd (Hons) First Class from the University in June 2012. She is now in her probationary induction year at Hayshead Primary School in Arbroath.
She won the George D Gray Award for her dissertation, entitled 'How can a Maths anxious teacher promote positive attitudes towards Mathematics'.
Sharon's success adds to a long run of achievement by Dundee graduates, who have taken the award seven of the last ten times it has been made.
In her paper Sharon examined the difficulties some children and many adults face working with Mathematics. Sharon argued that there is a specific anxiety which undermines confidence in Maths and can contribute to reduced Mathematical performance. She described its effects on both teachers (she had previously been affected herself) and pupils, and considered ways in which pupils could be assisted to gain confidence and to enjoy working with the subject.
Sharon Friel-Myles said, "I am absolutely delighted to win the George D Gray award. This thesis was very personal to me because I have experience of Maths anxiety. There are many teachers who are anxious about Mathematics, but are ashamed to admit it. There are also many pupils who feel anxious about the subject and are missing out on career opportunities as a result.
"My study has shown that symptoms of Maths anxiety relates to confidence rather than an inability to understand Mathematics. With the right strategies put in place I believe that Maths anxiety can be eliminated in teachers and in school pupils before it inhibits future career choices. I have indeed changed from a maths phobic to a maths fan and I intend to help my pupils do the same!"
Now in its twelfth year, the George D Gray CBE MA award is in the care of GTC Scotland and seeks to find the most distinguished BEd assignment in Scotland. The judging panel comprised of:
- Anthony Finn, Chief Executive of the GTCS
- Professor Ron Elder, Convener of the Award Panel
- Gillian Mackay, Head Teacher Commercial Primary School Dunfermline
- Professor Christine Forde, Professor at Glasgow University
- Professor Judith George, formerly of the Open University
Presenting the award to Sharon, GTC Scotland Chief Executive, Anthony Finn said, "The judges found this thesis to be both interesting and highly relevant to current thinking. This well researched dissertation supports the priority currently afforded to numeracy in schools and may therefore have benefits for other teachers.
"Sharon reviewed the research which has been published on this subject in recent years and then carried out her own school-based research to consider whether colleagues and pupils could recognise, share and then address the impact on learning of Maths anxiety.
"The panel was impressed that Sharon presented her case with great enthusiasm and commitment, displaying a sound understanding of the background to her study and a clear and perceptive analysis of her findings. She was very honest about the impact of Maths anxiety on her own previous performance in Maths and she therefore provides an excellent role model of someone who has faced her fear and overcome it. She also suggested relevant and helpful ways in which pupil self-esteem can be raised and showed the impact that increased confidence can have on performance.
"Sharon Friel-Myles is another deserving winner of the George D Gray award; an award that has highlighted, year after year, the high quality of student teachers and teaching throughout Scotland."
The George D Gray CBE MA Award is presented by GTC Scotland under the terms of a trust fund which was set up by Dr Ethel Gray, the widow of George D Gray, as a memorial to her husband. Widely regarded as being responsible for securing Government support for setting up the General Teaching Council for Scotland, George Gray was also its first Registrar.
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